The Emperor and the Knightess - Chapter 177

‘No man has ever reacted this way to me before.’

Whenever Poliana asked a man to drink with her, they would usually ask, “Are you buying, Marquess?” Most men were eager to get free drinks from her. Frau was the first and the only one who blushed and stepped back in shock.

‘Hmm…’

Poliana felt a little disappointed. If she returned home now, there would be no one waiting for her; she would be all alone. With the money and power awarded by the emperor, Poliana was able to purchase a large mansion. She filled it with expensive and luxurious furniture, but even then, the house felt empty because she had no family.

There was no one who greeted her when she returned home from a long day.

If she returned to the castle, her guards would be disappointed. Who would want to be around their boss? They would become annoyed that she didn’t go home. Poliana felt bitter.

‘I need a drink. I’m not going home now.’

Poliana looked at Frau, who was slouching again. His weak shoulder, slightly bent waist, and a kind delicate face… All these things bothered her.

She ordered him, “Chin up.”

“Huh?”

“Straighten your waist.”

“…!”

“Straighten up your shoulders and chest too.”

“Gyaa!”

“Stop slouching so much.”

“Gyaaa!”

Poliana pushed on his body to correct his posture by force, making Frau scream both from shock and pain. It seemed that Frau was very stiff, which was a shame. He was a doctor who took care of other people’s health, yet it appeared that he himself was not in good health.

Poliana slapped his back, trying to make him straighten up.

“Gyaa!”

She was trying to be gentle, but she was a strong woman. Frau jumped and twisted his body in discomfort.

Poliana asked him, “You don’t have anyone waiting for you at home either, do you?”

Frau rubbed his back and replied, “N-no.”

“Well, then why don’t we be friends? We are the same age and are in the same situation, right? I am an old maid and you are an old bachelor.”

“T-thank you, Marquess…”

Poliana tapped his shoulders lightly, but it was enough for him to fall. Frau had a horrible sense of balance, perhaps because he was so unathletic and chubby. Strangely, Poliana liked the feeling of slapping Frau’s fleshy body. It felt very different than when she smacked around his soldiers, who had hard muscled bodies.

Frau tried to run away, but Poliana easily caught him. She dragged him to a nearby tavern, telling him that since he paid for the dinner, she will pay for the drinks.

Poliana thought casually, ‘I will get to know him better, and if I like him as a friend, then I guess I should marry him.’

If the emperor knew her thoughts, there was no doubt that he would faint from a heart attack.

Poliana was a noble lady, which meant that it was her parents’ job to arrange her marriage. Her situation was a little different than the most, however. Poliana had to choose for herself, and she knew that she should choose objectively. She knew that there should be no feelings or opinions in terms of picking her spouse.

Poliana thought that it would be easier for her to deal with a desperate and ambitious bachelor than a younger and handsome man who was marrying her only because his greedy parents were forcing him to.

Frau was weak. He had absolutely no power to take anything away from her. He could never steal her wealth, power, or status. Poliana thought Frau would be a better choice than the younger noble boys who might be too greedy for their own good.

Besides, Poliana had to admit that Frau was the first man ever who approached her personally because his logical mind saw her as a marriageable woman.

A marriage was a business deal. Both parties needed to gain from this transaction, and although it may not look like Poliana would benefit from marrying Frau, this was far from the truth.

Secretly, Poliana imagined what her life could be like. She remembered the families she visited until now.

Although their marriage was arranged, Sir Rabi and Lady Bika were very much in love with each other. Sir Howe, Sir Donau, Vaxi, and Vanessa… Their marriages happened so fast and in surprise, but Poliana had a very good feeling about their life together.

One of her guards who married his dead friend’s wife and adopted her son… They clearly respected each other and led a warm and cozy life together.

The young Seeze couple… They clearly respected each other, although there was no trust between them.

Not all families could have happiness and warmth, but there was one common element to all of the families that led peaceful lives.

Respect.

It would be ideal if the wife and the husband respected each other, and Poliana knew she could do this. All she had to do was find a man who would do the same for her.

A man who would respect her.

Poliana felt excited. She laughed a little, thinking of the possibilities in her future.

And this was how Poliana and Frau began to date each other without even knowing themselves.

***

The next day, Poliana told Lady Rebecca about what happened the night before. To their surprise, Poliana and Lady Rebecca became close friends who shared each other’s secrets just as they promised. They told each other everything, including the things they were embarrassed or ashamed about.

Poliana told Rebecca everything that happened last night because Poliana believed that Rebecca would never tell anyone about it. The truth was, Rebecca had more to lose if Poliana talked to other people because Lady Rebecca sometimes said some things that could put her in a very dangerous spot. Strangely, Poliana loved it when Rebecca told her these risky things because it made Poliana feel like she was trusted.

Of course, there were times when Rebecca went too far, but Poliana didn’t mind.

Lately, Rebecca was stuck in her bedroom because of her condition. This meant that it was Poliana who brought her some new gossips.

Firstly, Poliana admitted that Rebecca’s guess was right about Frau. Lady Rebecca smiled proudly and replied, “So, I was right.”

“Yes, Lady Rebecca. Unfortunately, my mind doesn’t work like that. The possibility that Dr. Frau might be interested in me like that… It never occurred to me at all.”

“It’s because you closed your mind to the fact that you can be a desirable woman. I am sure that there are a few men, soldiers or knights, who are secretly in love with you, Poliana…”

“Oh, that’s very unlikely!”

Poliana laughed because Lady Rebecca was talking nonsense. Rebecca asked with obvious curiosity, “So, what happened afterward?”

“Oh, he told me he proposed because of my wealth.”

“What?! You should send him to jail!”

Rebecca threw her needlework on the floor and yelled, “You didn’t do anything when he said something like that?! You should’ve beat him up! You should’ve punched his mouth!”

Lady Rebecca became so angry that she fainted. Her blood pressure was already high because of her pregnancy, so this added excitement was not good for her. The maids came running and kicked Poliana out. Poliana felt so guilty and when the doctor came running and glared at her, she didn’t know what to say.

“Marquess Winter, didn’t you know that Lady Rebecca should not be excited like this? She needs to remain calm at all times.”

“But I… I’m sorry…”

“Lady Rebecca is a very delicate and kind woman. Her condition is even more fragile because she is pregnant. Marquess, you can’t talk like the way you usually do, all rough and uncensored. Your words can shock the lady, causing her to be over-excited. Please, Marquess Winter, you need to watch your language in front of Lady Rebecca. I beg you.”

‘But she got angry all on her own…’

Poliana felt like she knew Lady Rebecca better than the royal doctors. The truth was, Rebeca was actually a very daring and brave woman. She hid her true self very well to survive in this men’s world. Poliana, of course, could not reveal this truth about her friend, so she remained quiet.

Lady Rebecca’s maid said to Poliana, “You should not return until Lady Rebecca feels better, Marquess.”

‘Oh… Lady Rebecca must be really angry at this. I better stay away for a while.’

It seemed that Rebecca was angrier than what Poliana expected. Awkwardly, Poliana walked towards her office when the emperor’s servant stopped her.

She asked, “Is his highness looking for me?”

“Yes, Marquess. His highness would like to have a meal with you.”

“Of course. Please let him know it would be my honor.”

Poliana was not as busy as the emperor, so she could have visited him at any time. She didn’t want to bother him, so she stayed away from him, waiting for him to ask for her.

And finally!